Josh Hamilton decision coming ‘shortly after’ opening day

(AP) Hey, do you remember how Josh Hamilton is reportedly facing disciplinary action from MLB? That story sure seemed to vanish for about a month there, didn’t it?

Well, commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday that we can expect a decision soon on Hamilton, just not before opening day. The reports say Hamilton had a drug relapse, though the league hasn’t announced anything specifically about Hamilton’s case other than acknowledging a decision is looming.

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Manfred said on SiriusXM radio that a verdict would be coming “shortly after” opening day:

“I think that we’ll have something on Hamilton in relatively short order — probably has been a little slower just because he’s not available to play.”

Hamilton wouldn’t be opening the season with the Los Angeles Angels anyway. He had shoulder surgery in February that kept him out of spring training. Now the issue is when Hamilton will return this season — if he does at all.

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Since Hamilton has struggled with substance abuse in the past, his case is different than most. Manfred reportedly put together a four-person panel to decide what should happen to Hamilton next. Last we heard, the panel was deadlocked and awaiting a fifth arbitrator.

A number of punishments have hit the rumor mill — ranging from a year’s suspension to rehab and no baseball suspension — but there’s no indication what’s most likely at this point. But over on Angels.com, it seems like they’re counting on a suspension.

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